Ron Howard, Joe Russo, John Carpenter and More Pay Tribute to Roger Corman: “Profound Loss to Cinema”

Hollywood spent the weekend paying tribute to Roger Corman, the independent filmmaking legend who died last Thursday.

Corman, known during his time as the “King of the B’s,” was a beloved producer and director who helped boost careers for names such as Jack Nicholson, Ron Howard, Peter Bogdanovich, Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Jonathan Demme, Gale Anne Hurd and James Cameron. He died on Thursday at age 98.

“He was generous, open-hearted and kind to all those who knew him,” Corman’s family said in a statement. “When asked how he would like to be remembered, he said, ‘I was a filmmaker, just that.’”

In response to news of his passing, many who knew and worked with Corman paid tribute to the filmmaker online. “A great movie maker and mentor,” Howard wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “When I was 23 he gave me my 1st shot at directing. He launched many careers & quietly lead our industry in important ways. He remained sharp, interested and active even at 98. Grateful to have known him.”

Joe Russo, one half of Hollywood’s Russo brothers, wrote, “There isn’t a modern Hollywood without legendary writer, director and producer Roger Corman. His passing at 98 is a profound loss to cinema. We are all in his debt. Rest easy, Maestro.”

John Carpenter, the acclaimed horror director, wrote that Corman was “one of the most influential movie directors in my life.” He added that “It was my privilege to know him. He was a great friend. He shaped my childhood with science fiction movies and Edgar Allen Poe epics. I’ll miss you, Roger.”

See below for more tributes to Corman’s impact.

I knew you well during a time when shooting the film we were making was physically dangerous and you were very brave. We had a good time, we did an exceptional movie and you were wonderful. RIP Love Bill pic.twitter.com/oUFGbUwysS

— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) May 12, 2024

Roger Corman was my very first boss, my lifetime mentor and my hero. Roger was one of the greatest visionaries in the history of cinema. I am absolutely devastated by his loss and send my love and deepest condolences to the Corman family. #RIP #RogerCorman pic.twitter.com/Pi1yFDw6HL

— Gale Anne Hurd (@GunnerGale) May 12, 2024

So very sorry to hear of Roger Corman’s passing. Working with Roger in The Wild Angels was a highlight of my life. He was a such a lovely man. Sending condolences to his wife Julie and their children. pic.twitter.com/Vde9SVaXoI

— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) May 12, 2024

Roger Corman gave me one of my first jobs in Hollywood. He was always kind to this college intern new to LA and even once drew me a map to Beverly Hills when he needed me to run an errand and I had no clue where I was going. I learned a ton in a short time working for him.… pic.twitter.com/8kg3lWwRNx

— Adam Horowitz (@AdamHorowitzLA) May 12, 2024

I am saddened to learn of Roger Corman’s passing. He was a wonderful director/producer and I count myself lucky to have been able to work with him. 😔

— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) May 12, 2024

Rest In Peace Roger Corman. Thank you for giving me my first movie and starting my career. I am eternally grateful. pic.twitter.com/p78DEFxa0R

— Robert Patrick 🇺🇸 (@robertpatrickT2) May 12, 2024

RIP Roger Corman. He was the schlock master and an inspiration to us all.

Mr. Fantastic’s wave seemed appropriate. pic.twitter.com/e9b6WeSVcu

— Andy “Brak & other things” Merrill (@amerrill2) May 12, 2024

So unbearably sad. We have lost the greatest to ever do it. No one has had the impact that he had, no one has been kinder and more generous. Roger Corman, gave everything to Cinema and he changed it forever. We send our love to Julie and his family. Rest easy, King. pic.twitter.com/tNoaJFrGkK

— Beyond Fest (@BeyondFest) May 12, 2024

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